Editor,

On Dec. 17, 2013, I had just finished delivering my third Good Cheer Christmas gift to a senior family in Everett. My wife and I save our pennies and buy a turkey, ham and prime rib roast for someone not so fortunate.

I was disembarking the ferry in Clinton, going up the hill when I happened to glance in my rear view mirror — flashing red lights, busted by the Washington State Patrol near the Dairy Queen.

A state trooper advised me of my rights and ticketed me for going 5 mph over the speed limit. I was going 35 mph in a 30 mph zone. The citation was for $135.

I was totally shocked. I looked out the window and 100 feet up the road I saw a speed limit sign for 40 mph. I mentioned that to the officer and he said I was speeding below.

I went to court on March 13 in Oak Harbor and told my story to a judge. She looked at my record and remarked that I’ve never had a ticket. I told her I’ve been driving for 58 years and will try harder from now on.

The judge reduced my fine to $78. I thank her for her time, she gives me the ticket and I go to pay the bill. On my way out I notice several ladies sitting across from me in court. I get to the door and a cute blond comes up to me and says to me, “You are not going to pay that ticket.” She and her girlfriend decided that it was unfair. She took my ticket and paid for it.

I was in shock, again. Being on social security and living on Bush Point, times are hard. It just reminds me that the people on Whidbey Island are the best.

LARRY HOWARD

Bush Point